Mr. Herman R. Deem

He was born June 14, 1931 in Mahone, WV, the son of Harry Clifford Deem and Belva (Hill) Deem. Ray was raised in Mahone and Beatrice WV.

Ray married Hilda (Bumgardner) Deem on July 7, 1952 in Harrisville, WV. Ray was a 1950 graduate of Harrisville High School. He made his career with the United States Navy, serving many years on the U.S.S. John Marshall. Ray retired as a Senior Chief Machinist Mate E-8 (SS) in 1971. He then went on to retire from Pfizer’s of Groton in 1991.

Ray was a long time member of The Community of Christ Church, The Quaker Hill Rod and Gun Club, The Masons, and The Odd Fellows. Ray enjoyed hunting and fishing. He and his wife enjoyed traveling and camping in their motor home.

In addition to his devoted wife Hilda, of 59 years, Ray is survived by two daughters Yvonne Holmgren and husband Rich of Salem, and Kathleen Milikin and husband Charles of Oakdale. He is also survived by his 4 grandchildren Melissa (Milikin) Punzalan of Niantic, Rebecca (Wheeler) Santana of Griswold, Mark Milikin of New London, and Nathaniel Wheeler of Easton, ME. Ray is also survived by 4 great grandchildren Julian, Kai, Amari and Curtis.

In addition to his parents, Ray was predeceased by his son Gregory L. Deem, as well as his step brother Wayne “Tim” Britton of Vienna, WV and Helen (Britton) Dedow of Birmingham, MI.

Ray was bigger than life. He was always proud of his country and his family, and was armed with a strong faith in the Lord. He will be greatly missed by all.

A funeral service will held at the Montville Funeral Home of Church and Allen on Saturday November 19, 2011 at 11:30am. Calling hours will be held from 10 am until the time of the service. Burial in King Knob Cemetery in Mahone, WV will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ray’s memory may be made to Hospice of SE CT, 227 Dunham St. Norwich CT 06360 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

The Montville Funeral Home of Church and Allen, 53 Rte 32, Montville, is entrusted with arrangements.